SWANZEY, N.H. (AP) – An 87-year-old Swanzey, N.H., has been named the town’s first Troubadour Laureate.

The word troubadour refers to poets and musicians who flourished in 12th century France and Italy, or to folk singers, which is closer to Walter Calkins’ qualifications.

Calkins loves to tell stories and writes and sings his own songs. Nancy Carlson, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, said bestowing the title also was a way to pay tribute to the town’s rural character.

Resident Bruce Barlow, who nominated Calkins for the position, says he also plans to push for a town Storyteller Laureate and Town Humorist Laureate.